4.25.2012

President's Letter

Dear League Members,

I hope everyone will attend the League’s annual meeting, both the business meeting and the luncheon, as it gives us all an opportunity to discuss plans for next year and incorporate things you want to take part in. We also approve our budget for next year at the annual business meeting. The budget, as well as the new slate of officers, is included in the "Call To Meeting," sent in a previous email, which came at the same time as the Evite. The business meeting begins at 10:30, the luncheon at 11:30 with food served at noon.

This year’s Annual Meeting speaker, Dr. Gary Rose, is a gifted professor, author and Chairman of the Department of Government and Politics at Sacred Heart University. We will have an opportunity to brush up on government and politics, particularly the history of our own 4th district, with this recent winner of Professor of the Year.

Dr. Rose has written over 10 books on political subjects including Constitutional Law, the Supreme Court, the American Presidency, political parties and Connecticut politics, including his most recent book titled Connecticut's Fourth Congressional District: History, Politics, and the Maverick Tradition (2011).

You should have received your Evite for this meeting in addition to a separate email with a copy of the reservation form (also included for your convenience below). Please let me know if you, or any other League member you know has not received this. The Luncheon price is $40 and for the first time, we will allow those who pay in advance to make up their own tables with those other members who pay in advance (again, reservation form below). If you have any questions, please email me or call (203) 972-3558 or katehurlock@yahoo.com.

Look forward to seeing you all on the 23rd.

Kate Hurlock
League of Women Voters of New Canaan

Reservation Form for LWVNC Annual Meeting Luncheon May 23rd, 2012

Luncheon at:  The Country Club of New Canaan
                     95 Country Club Road, New Canaan
Lunch at 12:00 PM       
Program at 12:45 PM:  Speaker
Name:__________________________
Number of Guests: ________
I/we will attend: 10:30 AM Business meeting______
Luncheon and Program______________________
Program only ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­______________________   (no fee)

Menu
EntrĂ©e:  warm chicken over mixed greens
Dessert:  apple strudel with cinnamon ice cream
Coffee, Iced Tea and Lemonade
Cash Bar available

Reservations required by May 16, 2012
Luncheon price: $40. 
Please send this reservation form with check payable to “LWV of New Canaan” to:
To Sara Hunt, 203-966-3313; skhminky@optonline.net
Sara Hunt
152 Butler Lane
New Canaan, CT 06840

Dr. Gary Rose, Political Scientist, to Speak at Our Annual Meeting


Rose, Ph.D.of Sacred Heart University will be the speaker at the LWVNC Annual Meeting and Luncheon on May 23rd at the New Canaan Country Club. Dr. Rose joined the Sacred Heart University faculty in 1982 and is currently chairman of the Department of Government and Politics. He recently published his 10th book, Connecticut's Fourth Congressional District: History, Politics and the Maverick Tradition, which he describes as “a microcosm of emerging political trends currently taking place within the context of congressional politics, particularly in the New England region.”Some of his other books have been on the US Supreme Court and the American Presidency. Dr. Rose will speak about his recent book, and his observations on the influence partisan politics and the new Super Pacs are having on the upcoming national elections.

Dr. Rose has been named the 2011 Connecticut Professor of the Year by The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). Dr. Rose was selected from nearly 300 top professors in the United States. He is passionate about introducing students to the political system and how it operates. “My inspiration comes from a firm belief that students can, if they so desire, make a profound difference in American politics. I believe in the old axiom that ‘knowledge is power.’ So, in essence, my mission as a university professor is to objectively expand the political knowledge of my students so they in turn can participate effectively in the political process and help shape public policy,” Dr. Rose said. “I'm very proud of the large number of graduates from our political science program who have, in one form or another, entered public service and are working for the common good.

Inside the Beltway...Hear from Congressman Jim Himes

The Ridgefield LWV is pleased to bring you a Members Only Luncheon with Congressman Jim Himes. On Tuesday, May 1st from 12-2pm at the Redding Country Club. You will have the opportunity for an intimate discussion about how things are really going in our government and what Congressman Himes sees as the current and future issues facing Congress. It's a front row seat in the House of Representatives, a direct line to an elected official and a starting position in the non-spectator sport of democracy. 

Don't wait! This event will also be opened to other area Leagues, so reserve your spot today. RSVP to Kathie McGerald at 91 Ramapoo Road.  Your check made to Ridgefield League of Women Voters for $32 is your reservation!

Members Only Luncheons are a new way to promote the value of LWV membership by offering special engagements that emphasize member interest in taking an active role in government. Membership does have its privileges!

Best regards,
Birgitta Stone, Ridgefield League President, 203-438-9896

Welcome New Members

Bedula, Alison
103 Ferris Hill Road
203-966-0230
alib103@optonline.net

Bernhard, Jill
25 Fairty Drive
203-972-9022
W. 203-273-0643
jillbernhard@gmail.com

Boland, Beatrice**
26 Farm Road
203-966-0151
patrick_e_boland@sbcglobal.net

Butterworth, Libby
453 Carter Street
203-801-0862
eabutter@gmail.com
 
De Gysser, Siw
78 Bowery Road
203-972-6055
siwdegysser@earthlink.net
 
Donlon, Marge
15 Hidden Meadow Lane
203-966-8421
Mfitzpatrick15@optonline.net

Gebauer, Lea

244 Ponus Ridge Road
203-972-9109
leagebauer@optonline.net

Gwynn, Tonya
10 Hatfield Mews
203-972-1662
W: 203-984-0884
tonyagwynn@yahoo.com

Herbert, Cynthia
204 South Bald Hill Road
203-966-3979
Fax:  203-966-1515
pch@herberthome.com

Holme,  Jennifer**
1328 Smith Ridge Road
203-801-0537
W:  203-434-9785
holmemarkatos@gmail.com

Kend, Katherine
65 Barregat Road
203-801-0184
C: 203-550-9072
kate@kendfarm.com

Kiesling, Lael**
219 Marvin Ridge Road
203-801-0831
laelk@optonline.net

LaRosa, Nancy A.
27 Charles Place
203-801-7148
C:  203-515-7078
Fax:  203-972-7188
nallpn@aol.com

LiCalzi, Jeannette
136 Middle Ridge Road
203-966-6729
rajlicalzi@aol.com
Orteig, Liz
108 Bayberry Road
203-966-2359
Lorteig@gmail.com

Piotrowski, Beverly
151 Butler Lane
203-966-0004
BJBAFP5@yahoo.com

Rundles, Margo
179 South Ave, Unit 12
203-594-9345
margorundles@yahoo.com.

Sheridan, Constanze
42 Douglas Road
203-801-0741 (also Fax)
Csheridan56@sbcglobal.net

Stichnoth, Neele
137 Elm Place
203-972-2720
W 203-972-1605
neele@ffiusa.com

Walsh, Jennifer
111 Oenoke Ridge
203-801-0705
W: 203-803-6354
jenniferwhitewalsh@gmail.com
Weed, Elizabeth D.
434 Ponus Ridge
203-966-4470
elizabewe2@aol.com

Widas, Elizabeth B.
9 Wahackme Lane
203-966-6620
lizwidas@optonline.net

LWVCT's 43rd Symposium on International Relations: Globalizing the Media

When: Tuesday May 15, 2012 from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM EDT
Where: Sacred Heart University - University Commons
5151 Park Ave
Fairfield, CT 06604

 
Technological advances have enabled swift and vast information exchange.  How has the "global village" affected media structures and practices?  What is the role of media in promoting democracy?  Or propaganda? How to tell the difference?

Join us at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut, as we learn the answers to these questions and more at  LWVCT's 43rd Symposium on International Relations: Globalizing the Media.

Our distinguished panelists include:   
  • Jane Bornemeier, Editor, New York Times Radio; Speaker, News Literacy Project
  • Nayan Chanda, The Yale Center for the Study of Globalization; Editor, YaleGlobal Online Magazine
  • Robert Palm, Journalist, TV writer and producer
  • Kazim Alam, Correspondent from Pakistan (potential participation via Skype)
Moderator: Nancy Ruther, Associate Director, MacMillan Center for International and Area Studies, Yale University. The symposium will run from 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. 

 
Register Now! You won't want to miss it.  We look forward to seeing you!

The Senate could be voting on HJ 2 - Resolution Proposing an Amendment to the State Constitution to Allow for No-Excuse Absentee Voting this week.

HB 5024 - AA Concerning Voting Rights is on the House calendar.

The League of Women Voters of Connecticut supports these election law changes that make the act of voting more accessible to all citizens who are legally entitled to do so, by reducing the barriers to registration and use of the absentee ballot. 

Please contact your Senators and Representatives today!
Tell him or her to VOTE YES ON HJ 2 and HB5024.

Email:  Visit the CT General Assembly Website at www.cga.ct.gov and then click on left for Senate and House links, or call:
Senate Democrats: 800 842-1420 or 860 240-8600 
Senate Republicans: 800 842-1421 or 860 240-8800
House Democrats: 800 842-8267 or 860 240-8585 
House Republicans: 800 842-8270 or 860 240-8787

Why support a Constitutional Amendment? 
The Constitutional Amendment would give the General Assembly the power to pass laws to provide means for persons to vote who do not appear in person at a polling place on the day of the election. At present language in the Constitution creates barriers to absentee voting by limiting allowable qualifications.
Why support Election Day Registration?
EDR states consistently boast higher voter turnout rates than non-EDR states.
EDR assists young people and people who move frequently for schools, jobs and family.
EDR reduces the need for provisional ballots and allows eligible voters who may have been mistakenly left off the voting rolls to cast a meaningful ballot.

The vote could happen at any time. Please take action today and then forward this message to others.